We heard earlier this week that labor negotiations may continue into the weekend depending on how they go. It turns out this weekend will be like every weekend since February: No face-to-face talks will take place.
NFL Network’s Albert Breer reports no talks will take place until Monday “at the earliest.” Mediator Arthur Boylan heads on vacation this weekend. Other communications and legal drafting will continue like last weekend.
Mark Maske of the Washington Post confirmed Breer’s earlier report that progress slowed Friday. It’s unclear whether it was related to the decision from the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Friday, but there is reason to believe that has complicated things. Breer described the last two days as “frustrating” for those involved.
Maske remains optimistic: “Talks aren’t derailed. An agreement in principle next week remains well within reach.”
We’re going to hear that this is all part of the process, and that’s true. But the entire lockout is a short-sighted process fueled by greed that takes NFL fans for granted. So you can’t blame fans for A) following closely and B) getting upset over the uncertainty.
We’ll say it again: No one knows for sure. The people in the room don’t know. If they did, there would already be a deal or they’d be putting the finishing touches on it this weekend.